The 2026 Emmys: A Musical Journey Through TV's Best Needle Drops
The art of the needle drop is a magical one, and this TV season has been a treasure trove of sonic delights. From memorable transitions to nostalgic hits, these songs pack an emotional punch and leave viewers yearning for more. In this article, we delve into the minds of six music supervisors who have crafted some of the most memorable musical moments on their respective shows.
'Beef' - A Symphony of Tension
Jen Malone, an Emmy-nominated music supervisor, takes us on a journey through the tense world of 'Beef'. She shares her love for Nero's 'Doomsday', a track that adds a layer of drama to a pivotal moment in the show. Malone's collaboration with showrunner Lee Sung Jin resulted in a playlist of 600 songs, from which 'Doomsday' emerged as a standout. The challenge of clearing the rights for sampled music didn't deter her, as she found a collaborative approach to make it work.
'Euphoria' - A Swing Towards Nostalgia
Gabe Hilfer, an Emmy winner, brings us into the world of 'Euphoria' Season 3. He discusses the decision to incorporate older soul and country music, such as Ann-Margret's 'Thirteen Men'. Hilfer's choice of this song adds a layer of nostalgia and recalibration to a scene, showcasing the power of music to transport viewers to a different time and place. The inclusion of Ann-Margret, an iconic figure, also broadens the show's reach.
'The Lowdown' - Uncovering Hidden Gems
Tiffany Anders, a music supervisor on 'The Lowdown', introduces us to Jesse Ed Davis, a Native American guitar player with an impressive resume. His song 'Keep Me Comin'' plays during a key transitional scene, showcasing Anders' dedication to uncovering lesser-known artists. The process of licensing the song, with the help of Jackson Browne's manager, adds an extra layer of excitement to the show's soundtrack.
'Ponies' - A Musical Journey Through Sanctions
Kier Lehman, the music supervisor for 'Ponies', faced a unique challenge due to international sanctions. He shares his journey of contacting Eastern European record labels to find the perfect music for a 1970s spy thriller set in Russia. His favorite needle drop is 'All That I Have' by Samotsvety, a Russian band that adds a stylish and fitting moment to the show's opening.
'Shrinking' - A Song for the End Credits
Christa Miller, a music supervisor and star on 'Shrinking', reveals the two-year wait to secure Brandi Carlile's 'You Without Me' for the show. The song's perfect fit for the series, especially in the finale, is a testament to the power of music to enhance storytelling. Miller's personal connection to the song, through her daughter's fiancé, adds a layer of emotion to the experience.
'The Testaments' - A Whimsical Take on Dystopia
Brittany Whyte, a music supervisor on 'The Testaments', wanted to bring a whimsical touch to the dystopian world of Gilead. She shares her love for 'Summer Song' by Remy Bond, which sets the tone for the season. The song's smoky and aloof vocal style presents Agnes, a character played by Chase Infiniti, in a unique and captivating way.
In conclusion, these music supervisors have crafted some of the most memorable needle drops in TV history. Their dedication to finding the perfect song for each scene showcases the power of music to enhance storytelling and create an emotional connection with viewers. As we eagerly await the 2026 Emmys, these musical moments will undoubtedly be in the running for recognition.
